We believe it is beneficial to solicit input from individuals who may be impacted by transmission system improvements and additions. As a natural extension of the involvement of transmission system customers in the planning process, we also involve the broader public in our planning process.

Public examination and discussion of transmission plans in advance of the commencement of work enhances awareness of the needs for transmission system improvements, helps eliminate surprises and can improve projects by involving the perspectives of those most familiar with impacted areas. Even for projects subject to public discussion and review as part of a state’s formal regulatory process, opportunities for the public to help shape decisions prior to the official start of the regulatory process can be helpful.

By increasing the level of public understanding of the need for a project and by vetting specific solutions to be proposed, time spent in early discussions also can save project time overall.

Our public outreach efforts may involve sharing and exchanging information about specific planned transmission line work with those who may be impacted. Depending on the work to be done, potentially impacted parties may include landowners or other community residents in the vicinity of an existing or a proposed new transmission line, local public officials, utility regulators and natural resource agencies, environmental or conservation groups, customers and other interested members of the public.

Our public outreach efforts with various stakeholders can include a variety of interactions such as one-on-one or small group meetings, public open houses, newsletters and other communication activities. The overall goal is to maintain communication with those who may benefited or be impacted by transmission system plans – with respect to needs, possible alternative solutions, or the tailoring of specific project initiatives as they proceed through the planning, siting and regulatory approval stages leading to construction.